Unqualified setback for Draper after battling back in vain against De Jong

Briton recovers from two sets down but still goes out in first round to world No 176

- Tumaini Carayol

Jack Draper continues to search for a monumental result to ignite his career as he suffered a crushing loss in the opening round of the French Open, losing 7-5, 6-4, 6-7(3), 3-6, 6-3 to Jesper de Jong of the Netherlands in the longest match of his career.

Draper initially seemed en route to an even more miserable defeat as he served extremely badly, struck his forehand tentatively and was overwhelmed by a far more decisive De Jong, a qualifier, quickly falling down two sets and 3-0. But the Briton found a second wind.

After retrieving the break, Draper edged out the third set tiebreak and established a 4-1 fourth-set lead when rain delayed play for over an hour. Although Draper eventually forced a final set, his tense, cautious play in it contrasted with De Jong's willingness to pounce on short balls and control the baseline. After 4 hours 6 minutes on court, the world No 176 closed Draper out to reach the second round.

Draper's body has been his issue for so much of his young career and the past few months have marked the first time in his professional career that he has been able to compete week after week on the ATP Tour without physical issues. What seemed like an opportunity to finally piece together consistent wins has instead proven a difficult learning curve.